Baker guns down Sussex League leaders

The prolific marksman took his tally for the campaign to 27 in all competitions as Sidley crushed league leaders Ringmer 4-0 in appalling conditions.

"I said before the game I fancied us," commented joint manager Andy Laskey. "When they got there you could see they didn't fancy it and they were asking the referee to look at the pitch. We were buzzing and they were going through the motions. They were trying to get the game off and that inspired us.

"For Bakes to get four goals was unbelievable, but I thought Dave Carey was excellent too and everybody played their part. Even when it was 4-0 there were people diving in front of the ball to keep a clean sheet."

That determination really encapsulated Sidley's performance and they fully deserved a win which took them up another place to 14th.

The wet and muddy conditions undoubtedly played into Sidley's hands as they suited their direct approach rather than the more patient style preferred by their opponents. But The Blues still had to execute that game-plan, which they did just about to perfection.

United, who have now scored more goals at home than any other side in the division, were the better team during an opening 45 minutes of precious few chances and the single goal lead they enjoyed at the break was about right.

The goal came on the half hour mark when Baker expertly headed Jimmy Watson's inviting cross into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

The start of the second half was delayed for 10 minutes to allow the hard-working, yet very much up-against-it ground staff to fork a particularly sodden section of an increasingly waterlogged surface.

Quite what difference that made was surely minimal, but there was a marked change to the pattern of play because Ringmer bossed the possession stakes for the next 25 minutes or so.

Deep and resolute defending from the hosts, however, ensured that goalkeeper Peter Newstead was only required to make a couple of saves which were made tricky by the conditions.

Then came the defining moment. Carey delivered a pinpoint left-footed cross from the by-line and Baker had the relatively simple task of side-footing home on the volley to put Sidley two-up with 15 minutes remaining.

A brilliant 30-yard lob seven minutes later and an easy close range header following more fine approach play by the in-form Carey two minutes after that meant that Baker had scored four goals in a game for the second time this season.

Newstead's smart tip over from former Blue Mickey O'Callaghan in stoppage time capped Sidley's second 4-0 win on the bounce.

The prolific marksman took his tally for the campaign to 27 in all competitions as Sidley crushed league leaders Ringmer 4-0 in appalling conditions.

"I said before the game I fancied us," commented joint manager Andy Laskey. "When they got there you could see they didn't fancy it and they were asking the referee to look at the pitch. We were buzzing and they were going through the motions. They were trying to get the game off and that inspired us.

"For Bakes to get four goals was unbelievable, but I thought Dave Carey was excellent too and everybody played their part. Even when it was 4-0 there were people diving in front of the ball to keep a clean sheet."

That determination really encapsulated Sidley's performance and they fully deserved a win which took them up another place to 14th.

The wet and muddy conditions undoubtedly played into Sidley's hands as they suited their direct approach rather than the more patient style preferred by their opponents. But The Blues still had to execute that game-plan, which they did just about to perfection.

United, who have now scored more goals at home than any other side in the division, were the better team during an opening 45 minutes of precious few chances and the single goal lead they enjoyed at the break was about right.

The goal came on the half hour mark when Baker expertly headed Jimmy Watson's inviting cross into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

The start of the second half was delayed for 10 minutes to allow the hard-working, yet very much up-against-it ground staff to fork a particularly sodden section of an increasingly waterlogged surface.

Quite what difference that made was surely minimal, but there was a marked change to the pattern of play because Ringmer bossed the possession stakes for the next 25 minutes or so.

Deep and resolute defending from the hosts, however, ensured that goalkeeper Peter Newstead was only required to make a couple of saves which were made tricky by the conditions.

Then came the defining moment. Carey delivered a pinpoint left-footed cross from the by-line and Baker had the relatively simple task of side-footing home on the volley to put Sidley two-up with 15 minutes remaining.

A brilliant 30-yard lob seven minutes later and an easy close range header following more fine approach play by the in-form Carey two minutes after that meant that Baker had scored four goals in a game for the second time this season.

Newstead's smart tip over from former Blue Mickey O'Callaghan in stoppage time capped Sidley's second 4-0 win on the bounce.